Cal NERDS
Summer 2015
Celebration
Luncheon
+ NERDtastic Stories
Our Mission: Turn UC Berkeley
NERDS into Professional NERDS
13
NERDS will start
STEM Graduate
School programs
this fall
At UC Berkeley,
NERDS Stands for:
New Experiences
for Research and
Diversity in Science
Our Location:
230-C Stephens Hall
UC Berkeley
“A Home Away
From Home”
Source: Dr. Suess
CELEBRATION Luncheon with
Research Poster Presentations
Fri., August 14th, 11:30-1:30 pm, 230 Stephens Hall
Niusha Bavadian, Research Scholar
Mentor Linda Wilbrecht, PhD, Psychology
Luz Camargo, Research Scholar
Mentor Kristofer Pister, PhD, Electrical Engineering
& Computer Science
David Colby, Research Scholar
Mentor Per Peterson, PhD, Nuclear Engineering
Winn Huynh, Research Scholar
Mentor Jeffrey Long, PhD, Chemistry
Delina Meharenna, Research Scholar
Mentor Daniela Kaufer, PhD, Integrative Biology
Alex Nguyen, Research Scholar
Mentor Alessandra Lanzara, PhD, Physics
Joy Obiri, Research Scholar
Mentor Peter Marsden, PhD, Chemistry
Levi Pilapil, Research Scholar (Team Captain)
Mentor Dean Toste, PhD, Chemistry
Jaime Sahagun, Research Scholar (Team Captain)
Mentor Uros Seljak, PhD, Astronomy / Physics
Mahrud Sayrafi, Research Scholar
Mentor Birgitta Whaley, PhD, Chemistry
Angelique Scheuermann, Research Scholar
Mentor Brett Helms, PhD, Material Sciences
Luis Silva, Research Scholar
Mentor Marti Hearst, PhD, School of Information /
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Our Summer Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
 Eight week world-class faculty
mentored research experience
 Professional headshot photo
 Princeton Review GRE class
 Graduate school toolbox
 Weekly workshops and team
building activities
 Mini NERD olympics
 Techno advising
 Graduate school plan
 Graduate student mentors
 Graduate school coaching
with Dr. Sheila Humphreys
 LinkedIn professional development
and career coaching with Marjorie Weingrow
 STEM writing and communications coaching
with Dr. Anne MacLachlan
 Leadership training with Dr. Fred Moore
 Luncheon celebration with research poster showcase
Cal NERDS: Our Coaches
Sheila Humphreys, Ph.D.
2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science and Engineering Mentoring,
STEM Graduate School Coach
graduate school plans, statement of purpose,
fellowships, faculty engagement, etc.
Marjorie Weingrow
Book Author: Get the Job You Love,
LinkedIn Coach and Career Specialist
empowerment coaching, elevator pitches,
professional bios, STEM resume/CV, etc.
Fred Moore, Ph.D.
Book Author: Finding Your North
Leadership Development Coach
leadership styles, dynamic perspectives,
confidence building, motivational factors, etc.
Anne MacLachlan, Ph.D.
Senior Researcher
STEM Writing and Communications Coach
research abstracts and scientific writing,
citations, research conferences, etc.
Undergrads + Grads
Cal NERDS is made up of several diversity STEM programs and efforts
(outlined below) including one Graduate Student Program. They are
organized below by type. [Pilot efforts are marked with an *]
Graduate Students
National Program
NSF Bridge to
the Doctorate
NSF LSAMP-CAMP
Industry Focus
Visiting Scholars
BRAIN - Biotech*
MCAT Prep Scholars*
STEM Social Justice
Hutto Patterson *
Course/Workshop Collaborations
Physics Transfer Course*
A partnership with Physics Department and Compass
Optimizing STEM Students Course*
A partnership with the Biology Scholars Program
Physics Subject GRE Workshop Series*
A partnership with Compass
Summer Programs
UC- Statewide
UC LEADS
Transfer Students
PROTON - Physics
Women in STEM
Bergeron Scholars
Cal NERDS Overview
Exposure  Participation  Transformation


Our program establishes a welcoming social and academic
environment where science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) diversity scholars can explore, develop, and realize their
academic, personal, and cultural strengths.
We serve over 100 students annually in a constellation of eight
high-touch programs to diversify the STEM pipeline. Our staff and
core volunteers help create meaningful NERDY experiences such as
physics subject GRE prep, LinkedIn career coaching, research poster
design, graduate school application assistance, and graduate school
toolboxes, leadership training, professional clothes grants, high
level industry mentors, faculty mentored research, etc.
Cal NERDS
Program Overview
funding
$$$
grad
school
 Hands-on experiences
poster
printing
 24x7 student center
 Techno advising
advising
leadership
 Community
research
prof.
headshot
NERD
Patrol
books &
materials
 Opportunities
seminars
/wrkshps
EXPOSURE  PARTICIPATION  TRANSFORMATION
Cal NERDS: Our Communities





STEM
LGBTQ
Foster
Disabled
Low-Income





Women in STEM
Underrepresented
Transfer
First-Generation
Diversity



Students
Faculty
Partners



Alumni
Staff
Mentors
2015 Summer Graduate Student Mentor
Maria Martinez

“This summer I wanted to be
involved with NERDS because it
provides a unique supportive and
collaborative environment that
aids the professional development
of students by encouraging
everyone to be their unique self.

I have gotten a glimpse the work
and the love that goes into NERDS
as an undergraduate student.
Now that I am a grad student I
wanted to continue to be part of
the community that is teaching
me how to be a better student
and mentor.“

As an undergrad Maria was funded
by National Science Foundation
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation.
UC Berkeley Advisors: Dr. Yitwah Cheung and Dr. Maciej
Zworski, Mathematics
Maria has a
Third year Mathematics Ph.D.
Graduate Student at UC Berkeley
Mathematics
undergraduate degree
from UC Berkeley
mgmartinez@berkeley.edu
linkedin.com/pub/maria-martinez/a3/560/a18
2015 Summer Graduate Student Mentor
Trevor Grand Pre

“The fact that I can see my goals
coming into fruition gives me a
great measure of confidence and a
great sense of humility.

I have an obligation to help young
scientists coming behind me
because that is what people have
done for me.

I think that aspiring students
should know that graduate school
is competitive, but it is not
impossible for great things to
happen to them.”

As an undergrad Trevor was funded
by National Science Foundation
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation and the McNair
Scholars Program.
UC Berkeley Prospective Advisor: Dr. Hernan Garcia,
Molecular and Cell Biology
Trevor has a Physics
Second year Physics Ph.D.
Graduate Student at UC Berkeley
undergraduate degree
from DePaul
University
tgrandpr@berkeley.edu
linkedin.com/pub/trevor-grandpre/42/217/50a
Photo Credit: DePaul
Making the World a Better Place
… One NERD at a time!

Cal NERDS Graduate Students (and cousins),
Ebuka (Geophysics) and Kene (Electrical Eng
and Comp Sci) serve as role models for Cal
NERDS during a special Cal NERDS tour at the
California Academy of Sciences
Cal NERDS: Changing Culture
2015 Summer Research Scholar Niusha Bavadian

“I have been an undergraduate
research assistant in the Korzus's lab
at the University of California,
Riverside studying fear learning
and memory for three years.

Specifically, I have worked on how
prefrontal circuitry supports fear
memory accuracy and generalization in
animal models.

After my undergraduate studies I plan
on enrolling in a dual M.D./Ph.D.
program where I hope to pursue my
graduate studies in systems
neuroscience.”
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Linda Wilbrecht,
Psychology
Expected Graduation
Senior at UC Riverside
Date: June 2016
Major: Neuroscience
Applying to Graduate
nbava001@ucr.edu
School: Fall 2016
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
2015 Summer Research Scholar Luz Camargo

“Luz’s interest in technology began
when she moved to the US from
Mexico at the age of 12. It was then
she discovered her love for
Electronic Technology and
technological advancements.

Luz aspires to pursue a career as a
scientist so she can also help make
more technological advances.

Luz also enjoys reading and
spending time with friends and
family.”
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Kristofer Pister,
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Junior at UC Santa Cruz
Major: Electrical Engineering
llulecam@ucsc.edu
Expected Graduation
Date: Spring 2018
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2017
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS: Making Scientists


Through Cal NERDSGeophysics Transfer
Scholar, Sarah,
worked on her
Physics Machine
Shop Training
Certificate Program
to strengthen her
technical skill sets
Briana, a Cal
NERDS Triple Major
(Math, Physics, &
Astrophysics), was
funded to travel to
Canada to do her
research at the
underground dark
matter/neutrino
SNO Lab Facility
B E R G E R O N
S C H O L A R S
FEMALES in STEM
SCHOLARSHIP + INDUSTRY MENTOR + RESEARCH + RESOURCES
A PRESTIGIOUS OPPORTUNITY
 Pairing scholars with professional women at the top of
their fields to serve as mentors, and gives the students
access to a comprehensive suite of support resources,
including funding for internships, academic assistance,
networking, and career development opportunities.
Spring Application http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
2015 Summer Research Scholar David Colby

“I am planning to go into physics
grad school, but I cannot do that if
I do not first get a BA degree in
physics. However, I cannot even do
that unless I work further in my
physics major. Ultimately, since my
goal is to go into clean energy
research, I need to do energy
physics in grad school and I am
very interested in physics so I am
going to take that route.”

David is also part of the Berkeley
Student Cooperative and gives
back by helping with middle school
tutoring and Contra Costa’s Youthat-Work Program
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Per Peterson,
Nuclear Engineering
Expected Graduation
Junior at UC Berkeley
Date: May 2018
Major: Physics
Applying to Graduate
davcal12@berkeley.edu
School: Fall 2017
linkedin.com/in/davidjcolby
Photo Credit: NERDY Selfie Contest
2015 Summer Research Scholar Winn Huynh

“Winn’s research interests include
graphene and metalorganic chemistry.
Under the guidance of Dr. Richard
Kaner, Winn has wet-spun graphene
supercapacitors and is preparing to
teach a seminar on inorganic carbon
during Spring 2016.

This summer, Winn has been
exploring classical synthetic inorganic
chemistry and SQUID magnetometry
with Dr. Jeffrey Long and postdoctoral
fellow Dr. Alex Tskhovrebov.

After graduating from UCLA, Winn will
be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry and
becoming a professor, where he hopes
to mentor students of all ages and
provide science outreach
opportunities for his community.”
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Long, Chemistry
Senior at UC Los Angeles
Major: Chemistry/Materials Science
Minor: Science Education
winn.huynh@ucla.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/iwinned
Expected Graduation
Date: June 2016
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2015
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS: The Unexpected


Cal NERDS Geophysics
Scholar Andres wins
UC LEADS statewide
research poster
competition and is the
first undocumented
student to do so
Cal NERDS Physics Scholars Cheyenne and
Carlos spend the summer doing Physics
Research at Europe’s CERN Facility with their
UC Berkeley Faculty mentor Dr. Joel Fajans
A B 5 4 0
DREAMERS WANTED!
Amazing STEM Opportunities + BIG DREAMS!
CAL NERDS “DREAMER” PROGRAMS
 PROTON
Providing Physics majors with unique experiences and exposure
to this field (Physics Machine Shop certificate program, Physics
Subject GRE Workshops, Physics Transfer Class, Lab Tours, etc.)
 Bergeron Scholars
Providing Women in STEM with 1 year of scholarship to Cal,
high-level industry mentor, academic research opportunities
 UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced DegreeS
Pre-PhD STEM program supporting two summers of research
at UC Campuses and leadership training
 BRAIN
Helping students get hands-on Biotech experience through the
completion of an off-campus (Vallejo, CA) summer
Biotechnology Manufacturing Certificate
BENEFITS




Supportive Community and Student Center
Graduate School Preparation (GRE, application, etc.)
Professional Development
Research Opportunities
Find Out More @ http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
2015 Summer Research Scholar
Delina Meharenna

Delina’s research interests lie in
studying the underlying molecular
and cellular processes of stress and
its impact on the behavior of
people with mental disorders,
particularly, bipolar disorder and
schizophrenia.

Delina hopes to run her own lab
one day pursuing said interests as
well as get involved in community
efforts to reduce stigma regarding
mental health issues.

Delina is also a leader on campus
through her efforts as Treasurer
for UC Berkeley’s Black
Engineering and Science Student
Association (BESSA).
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Daniela Kaufer,
Integrative Biology
Expected Graduation
Junior at UC Berkeley
Date: May 2017
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Applying to Graduate
- Neurobiology
School: Fall 2016
delinatm@berkeley.edu
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
2015 Summer Research Scholar Alex Nguyen

“I work on instrumentation in a condensed
matter group at LBL. My time in LBL has
made me learn how interesting the art of
electronics is.

I am interested in continuing to build things
in grad school but my other interests include
biophysics and acoustics.”

Alex’s dream jobs include working with
science outreach programs and being a
celebrity that supports science much like Carl
Sagan, Bill Nye, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Alessandra Lanzara,
Physics
Senior at UC Berkeley
Major: Physics and Astrophysics
Minor: Music
tisalexnguyen@berkeley.edu
Expected Graduation
Date: Spring 2016
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2015
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS:
Inspirational Speakers
PANELISTS
November 2015 - STEMinist Power Panel
 Shyamali Singhal, M.D., Ph.D., El Camino Cancer Center
 Elizabeth Babcock, Ph.D., CA Academy of the Sciences
 Lisa Guerra, Ph.D., Entrepreneur & Philanthropist
 Wendy Young, Ph.D., Genentech
 Natalie Roe, Ph.D., Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
With Moderator: Philanthropist Sandra Bergeron
P O S T E R
J U D G I N G
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
Cal NERDS’ Faculty Centric Research Poster Judging Method
RESEARCH POSTER JUDGING MADE EASY


Orchestrating a Faculty judged undergraduate research
poster session/s involves several details from poster
assignments, judging forms, instructions, etc.
The Cal NERDS’ Faculty Centric Poster Judging Method
was designed to maximize both faculty and student
experiences while streamlining poster session processes.
Get Tips
 Create a poster session
that works within your
budget but also
showcases the
student’s talents
 Layer in the elements
that make sense for
your event
 Student poster
presenter tips video
also available
Method Highlights
 Watch short Faculty Video
 Faculty select the student
research posters that they
want to judge
 Assignment stickers save
time and help avoid
name/data entry mishaps
 Judging form includes
optional feedback section
Simple Resources @ http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
2015 Summer Research Scholar Joy Obiri

Joy majored in Chemistry because she
wanted to make a change. Coming
from Africa, clean water is a big issue
and being able to provide for her
village back at home is one of the
things that made her want to be part
of a STEM field.

Joy is a National Science Foundation
Louis Stokes California Alliance for
Minority Participation Research
Scholar (CAMP) .

In addition, Joy is the Cal NERDS
Student Coordinator where she
contributes to a variety of projects,
including her work on a 1,000 person
diversity education speaker database
for the Northern California Forum for
Diversity in Graduate Education.
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Peter Marsden, Chemistry
Senior at UC Berkeley
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Economics
Transfer Student
obirijoy@berkeley.edu
linkedin.com/in/joyobiri
Expected Graduation
Date: Fall 2015
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2015
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
2015 Summer Research Scholar Levi Glenn Pilapil

“I am an extremely dedicated student
and persistent researcher looking to
maximize my skill-sets as a Chemist
specializing in synthesis of novel
organic compounds and
organometallic complexes.

My previous research has involved the
utilization of Schlenk-Line techniques
and glove-box systems to synthesize
and isolate organocobalt complexes.
Characterization of these complexes
were carried out through FT-IR and
proton-NMR spectroscopy, as well as xray crystallography.

My long-term goals involve managing
teams that focus on identifying and
synthesizing novel molecules/
complexes with a variety of
pharmaceutical potentials.”
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. F. Dean Toste, Chemistry
Senior at UC San Diego
Major: Biochemistry and Chemistry
Minor: General Biology
Transfer Student
lpilapil@ucsd.edu
linkedin.com/in/lgpilapil
Expected Graduation
Date: June 2016
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2016
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS: Learn by Doing


Edy, a Cal NERDS
Grad Student (Mat
Sci Eng), was a
former Cal transfer
Physics student through his Cal
NERDS research
projects he found
his passion in
Engineering
Maribel, a Cal NERDS
Grad Student (Mech
Eng), was a visiting
Cal NERDS summer
research Scholar
from UC Irvine –
this experience
strengthened her
Grad Student
applications
B R A I N
BIOTECH CERTIFICATE
The NEW UC Berkeley Biotechnology Research And Innovation Network
2015 PAID 10 WEEK SUMMER
INDUSTRIAL BIOTECH EXPERIENCE



Biotech involves using living systems and organisms to
make useful products. This is a stable and growing field.
The NEW Cal NERDS’ BRAIN program focuses on
helping UC Berkeley undergraduate and graduate
students gain hands-on scientific training through an
intense biotech “bootcamp” style summer program.
Expand your career prospects to include well-paid bay
area biotech positions in the pharmaceutical, health
care, agriculture, food and/or environmental sector/s.
Valuable Skills
 Participants earn a Certificate
of Achievement
 Master skills involving cell
transformation and growth,
protein purification, lab
protocols, safety training,
and bioreactor operation
Apply @ http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
2015 Summer Research Scholar
Jaime Sahagun

“My research interests are in Particle
/Nuclear physics, Astrophysics and
Cosmology. I've done research in theoretical
nuclear physics in the summer of 2014 at
Texas A&M University in low energy,
computer simulated, nuclear collisions with
Professor Aldo Bonasera.

I am currently working at my home institute
in computer simulations of galaxy formation
with professor Uros Seljak.

I will be applying to grad school next year
where I will pursue a PhD in either particle
physics or Cosmology. My far in the future
goal is to become a physics professor where
I'll have the chance to both teach, handing
down the knowledge passed from generation
to generation, and contribute to science.”
Also, I am a member of HES (Hispanic engineers
and
and SACNAS
clubs.Mentor: Dr.
UCScientist)
Berkeley
Summer
Uros Seljak,
Astronomy and Physics
Junior at UC Berkeley
Major: Physics
Transfer Student
sahagunjaime@berkeley.edu
Expected Graduation
Date: Spring 2017
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2016
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
2015 Summer Research Scholar
Mahrud Sayrafi

“I'm a transfer student from a California
community college, studying math as a
major and some branches of physics on
the side.

I have participated in two summer research
projects, one in classical cryptography
and one in quantum entanglement
and cryptography.

When not thinking about hard research
problems, I enjoy turning my research into
easy to understand games that can be used
to teach math or physics concepts to
middle school aged kids.

And when not thinking about research
problems in anyway, you can find me
reading a philosophy book, a French
algebra book, or something of that sort.”
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Birgitta Whaley, PhD
Chemistry
Senior at UC Berkeley
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Physics and Astronomy
Transfer Student
mahrud@berkeley.edu
Expected Graduation
Date: Fall 2016
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2016
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS:
Mentoring & Leadership


Cal NERDS Alumni,
Dr. Sal Barriga,
a material scientist,
helped orchestrate
an MIT summer
research placement
for NERD Scholar
Camille through his
connections
Cal NERDS Alumni,
Dr. Franklin Dollar,
a laser physicist,
continues to mentor
our NERDS and has
accepted a Physics
Assistant Professor
position at UC Irvine
starting Fall 2015
C A M P
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
The NSF California Alliance for Minority Participation at UC Berkeley
A BUFFET OF STEM OPPORTUNITIES


The CAMP program is funded by a NSF Grant which
focuses on increasing the number of baccalaureate
degrees granted to underrepresented students in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM), and supporting continuation to graduate
studies, particularly for the Ph.D.
Minority students gain many advantages through the
academic and professional development opportunities
and hands-on experiences (ex: research internships)
that increase retention and degree completion.
RESOURCES!
 A program designed to
help students
strengthen their skills
as a Scientist, expand
their foundation in
STEM, and prepare
them for their next
step after graduation.
Program Information
 U.S Citizens or Permanent
Residents
 Native American, 3.2 GPA
Hispanic, and/or
African-American Students
 Soph-Senior STEM Majors
Apply by April 15th @ http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
2015 Summer Research Scholar
Angelique Scheuermann

At LBNL, Angelique designs and synthesizes
conductive organic materials to facilitate
charge transfer and increase sulfur
utilization in lithium sulfur batteries.

Her research interests include organic
chemistry, energy research, polymeric
materials, and chemical biology.

Angelique has been involved with the
Chemistry Teacher-Scholars program.
As a teacher-scholar, Angelique gave a
chemistry lab lecture at the end of the Fall
2014 semester to over 400 students. Her
ultimate goal is to become a professor of
chemistry at a California university due to
her love of both research and teaching.
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Brett Helms, Mat. Sciences
Junior at UC Berkeley
Major: Chemistry
angeliquescherman@berkeley.edu
linkedin.com/pub/angeliquescheuermann/aa/a05/657
Expected Graduation
Date: May 2017
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2016
Photo Credit: NERDY Selfie Contest
2015 Summer Research Scholar Luis Silva

Last year, Luis conducted research which
involved porting existing C++ code to another
software platform.

Luis plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Computational
Science and Engineering to reach his goal of
going into the Research and Development.

Luis is also an active member of the Merced
community. He thinks it is important to close
the disadvantage gap that currently stands in
between Latinos and the higher education
required to obtain a career in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) fields.

After demonstrating his commitment to
serve the Latino community, Luis was chosen
to be a part of the 2014 class that attended
the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) hosted
by Harvard Kennedy School and Texas A&M
International University.
UC Berkeley Summer Mentor: Dr. Marti Hearst, School of
Information / Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Senior at UC Merced
Major: Computer Science
and Engineering
lsilva4@ucmerced.edu
Expected Graduation
Date: June 2016
Applying to Graduate
School: Fall 2015
Photo Credit: Lee-huang Chen
Cal NERDS: Helpful Grants



Cal NERDS Scholar
Maryrose,
(experimental physics
major) received our
professional clothes
grant and a paid
research internship
She took 1st place in
the nation at the
American Indian
Science and
Engineering Research
Conference and was a
research scholar at
Harvard University
This fall she starts
her Physics Ph.D.
at Georgia Tech
P R O T O N
PHYSICS MAJORS
The NEW Physics Research, Outreach, Training, and Opportunities Network
INTERESTED IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?


The NEW Cal NERDS’ PROTON network is providing UC
Berkeley Physics students with opportunities to explore
the world of physics through hands-on activities/events.
These experiences will strengthen one’s academic
foundation, help establish a network, and provide
exposure to Graduate School and career paths.
ELIGIBILITY




3.0 GPA
Soph, Junior, & Seniors
Transfers wanted
U.S. Citizenship, Perm
Resident, or Dreamer
 Network includes:
LBNL, LNL, SLAC,
COMPASS Graduate
Student Group, UCB
Physics Dept, Cal
NERDS, & others
Activity Highlights
 Custom Lab Tours
 Physics Subject GRE Prep
 Physics Machine Shop
Certificate Program
 Sponsor of Transfer Class
 Paid Research Positions
 Youth Service Projects
 Professional Development
 Student Center Access
Apply by April 15th @ http://calnerds.berkeley.edu
Contact Director Diana Lizarraga, Questions welcome ~ text #510.778.5165
Chris Noble, Cal NERDS Coordinator

"I’m honored to work with NERD
scholars in supporting them in their
scientific passions and exposing
them to opportunities for their
growth. The icing on the cake is
when I get to see their research
presentations and learn not only
how they contributed to the
project, but how they made, and
continue to make, a positive impact
in the world we live in.“

Chris has many talents including
graphic design. He designed the
Periodic Table inspired Cal NERDS
logo with tones of blue and gold
(as seen at the top of this page).
Started at UC Berkeley in 2002
cknoble@berkeley.edu
# (510) 685-1550
Texts welcome




Advising
Conference Travel
Event Planning
Problem Solving
Diana Lizarraga, Cal NERDS Director

“As a product of four STEM
diversity college programs, I know
first-hand how meaningful these
experiences can be. I feel fortunate
to have opportunities to
collaborate with on-campus and
off-campus partners to help
provide rich transformational
offerings that help our NERDS gain
confidence, develop their skill sets,
and help prepare them for a
professional STEM career.”
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Diana is a super-commuter from
Davis . When she is asked “how can
you do that 4 ½ hour round trip
commute?” - she simply responds
“once I see one of our NERDS I
know they are worth all the effort”.
Transferred from UC Davis to work at UC Berkeley in 2003
ladiana@berkeley.edu
linkedin.com/in/dianalizarraga
# (510) 778-5165
Texts Welcome
This booklet was designed, created, and produced by Diana
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Community Building
Techno Advising
Diversity Models
STEM Strategies
Cal NERDS Partner Spotlight:
African American Male Student Pipeline Project
A partnership with the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP) Pre-college TRIO Programs
This project is championed by CEP Assistant Director Abigail Garcia. It focuses on
African American male achievement (academic success, mentorship, and opportunity
including social/emotional support) within the Oakland Unified School District and
West Contra Costa School District. Our program was excited to host a Mini NERDS
Olympic event with these talented young students in July.
Because Outreach Matters!
“Math is ME!” Lavazia, AAMSPP Scholar
#BestQuoteOfTheSummer
Cal NERDS: Deep Impact
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Cal NERDS Computer
Science Senior, Tsion,
traveled to the WEB
Summit in Ireland
Launching Cal NERDS
video: “Perspectives
from UC
Berkeley
Female
Computer
Science Majors”
Cal NERDS BioMath
Scholar Emilia,
completed two UC
Davis BioInformatios
short-courses and
worked on a genetic
mapping data research
project through Cal
NERDS funding
Cal NERDS: The Pay Off
Cal NERDS Videos
~ 50,000 views
www.ucberkeleynerds.com/Our_Videos.html
Layer in Videos as Needed
RESEARCH POSTER RELATED
 Faculty-Centric Poster Judging Method
 Student Research Poster Presenting Tips
GRADUATE SCHOOL ~ STEM STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE
 Voices of Diversity in Engineering Grad Student Programs
 Perspectivas de Estudiantes de Posgrado en Ciencias,
Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas (All Spanish ~
UC Berkeley STEM Hispanic Grad Student Panel)
GRADUATE SCHOOL ~ INSIGHT FROM PROFESSIONALS
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Rec Strategies
How to Apply to Grad School
Financing Graduate School
The NSF Fellowship
Welcome Message
Diversity and Excellence
Optimizing STEM Students DeCal
A course focused on optimizing the success of STEM students
2 Units, IB 98 CCN # 42220, IB 198 CCN # 43228
Tues & Thurs, 5:00 to 6:15 pm, 230C Stephens Hall
LEARN COGNITIVE APPROACHES AND
PROCESSES TO MASTER STEM CONCEPTS
New for Fall 2015
Students that excel in STEM fields have developed
a system to learn and master new concepts and
apply that knowledge in a functional way. This
course assists students with implementing a
process to develop clarity of thought, emotional
resolve in the face of challenges, and find
personal balance while taking STEM courses.
Course Highlights
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Develop a system to refine and organize your thinking
Perfect the art of asking questions
Strengthen your ability to think conceptually
Identify your optimum times to study
Cultivate a practice to manage time and stress
INSTRUCTOR FREDERICK MOORE, Ph.D.
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Fall 2015
UC Berkeley Biology Scholars Program and
Chemistry Scholars Program Alumnus 96’
Scientist & Cofounder/Managing
Partner of PotentSci LLC
Book Author: “Finding Your North”
Sponsored by the Biology Scholars Program and the Cal NERDS Program
With Gratitude
Today’s event is dedicated to the people who help support our
NERD Scholars both on campus and off campus!
It is important that we as a
program take a moment to
recognize the good work
of various Campus
Leaders, Campus Partners,
and Staff Members on
campus. Their suggestions
and efforts help make our
work possible. Thank you
to HR, American Indian
Graduate Program,
Native American Student Development, Undergraduate
Admissions, Graduate Diversity Program, Financial Services,
Grant Administration, University Relations, Financial Aid and
Scholarships, Shared Administrative Services, Sister Programs in
Equity and Inclusion, Native American Staff Council, the Coalition
for Excellence and Diversity in STEM, Compass, Physics
Department, Transfer Center, Technology Support, Berkeley
Science Network, College of Engineering, Berkeley Experiences in
Academic Research Group, STEM Center for Undergraduate
Diversity, and the Professional Development Program.
Thank You
Donors
Cal Alum Kathy Kwan &
Alan Eustace of the Kwan
Eustace Foundation
Sandra & Doug Bergeron
Hutto Patterson Foundation
National Science Foundation
UC LEADS/Koret Foundation
Office of the President
Cal Alum Lisa Guerra
On-line Donations
@calnerds
#CalThrive #CalNERDS
CELEBRATION Luncheon with
Research Poster Presentations
Fri., August 14th, 11:30-1:30 pm, 230 Stephens Hall
11:30 am Lunch Begins, 12:15 – 1:30 pm Poster Session
Niusha Bavadian, Research Scholar
Mentor Linda Wilbrecht, PhD, Psychology
Joy Obiri, Research Scholar
Mentor Peter Marsden, PhD, Chemistry
Luz Camargo, Research Scholar
Mentor Kristofer Pister, PhD, Electrical Engineering
& Computer Science
Levi Pilapil, Research Scholar
Mentor Dean Toste, PhD, Chemistry
David Colby, Research Scholar
Mentor Per Peterson, PhD, Nuclear Engineering
Winn Huynh, Research Scholar
Mentor Jeffrey Long, PhD, Chemistry
Delina Meharenna, Research Scholar
Mentor Daniela Kaufer, PhD, Integrative Biology
INFO
Alex Nguyen, Research Scholar
Mentor Alessandra Lanzara, PhD, Physics
Jaime Sahagun, Research Scholar
Mentor Uros Seljak, PhD, Astronomy / Physics
Mahrud Sayrafi, Research Scholar
Mentor Birgitta Whaley, PhD, Chemistry
Angelique Scheuermann, Research Scholar
Mentor Brett Helms, PhD, Material Sciences
Luis Silva, Research Scholar
Mentor Marti Hearst, PhD, School of Information /
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Director Diana Lizarraga
#510.778.5165, ladiana@berkeley.edu
@CalNERDS #summernerds2015
 Wheelchair Accessible  Gender Neutral Bathroom Accessible 